Tanzania Migration Photo Safari

Photograph the Spectacle of Predator and Prey as the Vast Herds Traverse the Endless Plains

Among the world’s epic wildlife events, few can match Tanzania’s Great Migration. And for nature photographers, there is simply nothing like being in the midst of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they make their annual trek over the Serengeti Plain in pursuit of new grass. Agile predators steal behind, poised to seize the young and the weak that trail the great herds. To truly capture the wonder of the migration in images, it’s essential to witness it from key vantage points that offer close-up views—and the only way to do that is through an exclusive stay in a remotely situated mobile camp like ours!

Trip Highlights

A small-group safari to photograph thousands of animals massed on the Serengeti Plains during the height of the Great Migration

Our Expedition Leader is an expert naturalist and accomplished photographer, by your side to interpret all you see and help you capture extraordinary images

All Migration Photography Safaris Are NOTthe Same!

For nature photographers, no wildlife event on earth rivals Africa’s Great Migration for sheer drama. Twice each year, the massive herds make a great circuit across the Serengeti Plain, following the grass that sprouts with the seasonal rains. To capture amazing images of this phenomenon is on many a wildlife photographer’s bucket list. But it’s crucial to choose the right way to experience the migration—here's why our Tanzania migration safari is better:

An Itinerary Designed for Optimal Migration ViewingMany companies operate the same “migration” tour year-round, driving the entire northern circuit of Tanzania with no effort to jibe locations with the arrival of the herds. We focus on the best time to see the animals, then build our itinerary and dates around that. Specifically, we spend four days during peak migration season in the southern Serengeti, where more than a million wildebeest drop their young on the plains every year, attracting predators and providing a remarkable nature experience.

Secluded Location Allows for Exclusive Activities
While most groups visit only the most central and busiest parts of Serengeti National Park, we stay in a newly opened area of the park in the east-central Serengeti region known as the Namiri Plains where travelers are few, though feline predators are abundant! Here, we do traditional wildlife drives, but we can also go on guided walking safaris and glean information from local researchers studying the cats in this area.

Fly to and from the Bush Our Safari Expedition Leaders meet you in Arusha, then we fly to the Serengeti, meeting our vehicles and trackers in the bush. And we return by air, too, avoiding long, dusty drives over often-rough roads. Many companies drive you to and from the Serengeti, a trip that can take 6-8 hours one way. By flying, we maximize time for what you’ve come to Africa for: watching wildlife on safari!

A Window Seat for Each TravelerWith only three to four guests per safari vehicle, you have plenty of room to maneuver for shots and comfortably carry all your gear—plus a guaranteed window seat, of course! Many safari operators use crowded mini-buses, and even luxury operators often utilize every seat, including middles—but we know how important unimpeded views are when you've come all this way to see and photograph the migration.

Remote Private Camps for Wildlife ProximityRather than using crowded lodges where vehicles depart each morning in large numbers, often surrounding the same wildlife all at once, we insist on the smallest luxury bush camps located in remote spots where wildlife is prolific. Natural Habitat's Migration Base Camp and Naimiri Plains Camp allow us the flexibility to pursue wildlife where concentrations are greatest, rather than utilizing larger accommodations that are nowhere near the migration.

Small Groups for Intimate Wildlife EncountersA small group is essential for optimal wildlife viewing, and Natural Habitat is known for the smallest groups in the industry. We take a maximum of approximately 9 guests—slightly more than on some of our other safaris—so that we may divide into multiple vehicles within radio contact to track the migration. Small groups mean we get closer to the herds, get better photos, and enjoy more personalized interaction with our Expedition Leader and local trackers and guides.

Carry More Luggage—Take All Your Photo EquipmentMost airlines and safari companies in East Africa strictly limit luggage to 33 pounds per guest, including carry-on bags, with even the highest priced trips having this limitation. On this photo tour we have reserved extra seating for a special luggage allowance of 60 pounds per guest, making it easier to carry camera equipment and travel more comfortably without leaving behind the essential items you need.

The World's Finest Photo Expedition GuidesNatural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the finest naturalists on the planet, and on our photography safaris, they are also accomplished photographers adept at helping guests capture the best possible images. In Tanzania, rather than using less qualified local camp guides, our NHA Safari Expedition Leaders are the most highly trained guides in Africa, renowned for providing exceptional service—and superb photography coaching. With you from beginning to end, our Expedition Leaders average approximately 15 years' guiding experience. Their training is further enhanced by the resources of WWF’s premier scientists. See Expedition Leader bioswith traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.

Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior Photo Safari ExperienceNatural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, which states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.

Feel Good About the Way You TravelWe care deeply about our planet, just as you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100-percent offset— Natural Habitat Adventures is the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company.

Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund—the world's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!